Genesis 1:25

Authorized King James Version

And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּ֣עַשׂ

H6213

made

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֱלֹהִ֖ים

H430

And God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

חַיַּ֨ת

H2416

the beast

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

הָאָ֜רֶץ

H776

of the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

לְמִינֵ֑הוּ

H4327

after his kind

a sort, i.e., species

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַבְּהֵמָה֙

H929

and cattle

properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)

לְמִינֵ֑הוּ

H4327

after his kind

a sort, i.e., species

#10

וְאֵ֛ת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#11

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#12

רֶ֥מֶשׂ

H7431

and every thing that creepeth

a reptile or any other rapidly moving animal

#13

הָֽאֲדָמָ֖ה

H127

upon the earth

soil (from its general redness)

#14

לְמִינֵ֑הוּ

H4327

after his kind

a sort, i.e., species

#15

וַיַּ֥רְא

H7200

saw

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

#16

אֱלֹהִ֖ים

H430

And God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#17

כִּי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#18

טֽוֹב׃

H2896

that it was good

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The divine name or title here functions within foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern narrative literature addressing origins and identity shapes this text's meaning. The development from creation to divine election established God's sovereign care over history Understanding a worldview where divine beings actively governed natural and historical processes helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What practical applications emerge from understanding creation and providence as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of creation and providence, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?

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